'The camera includes 32GB of built-in flash memory and supports SDHC cards, and it encodes the video as AVCHD files with data rates up to 24 mbps, the format's maximum capability. '
'The camcorder earned an audio score of Good, with noticeably better clarity and volume than rival camcorders offered. '
'impressively deep and professional manual controls'
'The lens is very similar to the HV30 with spectra coating (to reduce flare and ghosting), aspheric design, but adds a neutral density (ND) filter to improve performance in bright environments.'
'astonishing high definition detail and color reproduction'
'On the left side of the body sit a few, slightly difficult to feel, controls: backlight compensation, display, and video light, plus a manual focus toggle and somewhat loose focus dial.'
'deplorable viewfinder'
'It's relatively big, weighing 1 pound, 5.4 ounces, though it fits into a large, loose jacket pocket'
'Sony's HDR-HC7E is just such a model, and although it delivers great image quality, its price may put it out of the range of casual users, whilst its limited zoom makes it slightly unsuitable for a lot of high level amateur use.'
'The HDR-HC5 is devoid of Mic and Headphone jacks'
'Colour representation is definitely one of the weaker points; despite using the new x.v.Colour international standard for space, designed to increase colour range, we still found that the camera was unable to accurately reproduce several colours, especially yellows.'
'The T coating on this particular lens goes a step further to keep lens flare at a minimum.'
'The HDR-HC5 is devoid of Mic and Headphone jacks'
'Colour representation is definitely one of the weaker points; despite using the new x.v.Colour international standard for space, designed to increase colour range, we still found that the camera was unable to accurately reproduce several colours, especially yellows.'
'The T coating on this particular lens goes a step further to keep lens flare at a minimum.'
